Sailing on your yacht can be fun. But what would you do if there is a storm? To survive a storm on water, you need a good amount of preparation. Sailing through the storm in open water is a test of your endurance. Apart from the strong wind, you also have to deal with crew fatigue and big waves.
Heavy weathers and storms are something that all mariners have to deal with some time or the other. So, it is better to know how to deal with these conditions. Here are some methods that will prepare you for a storm.
Check the Boat before Sailing
Even before you move on to what you should be doing when a storm strikes, you need to ensure that your boat is well cared for. It means you have to make sure that the lines are unworn and strong. Also, you have to make sure that you have the emergency items on board. They should all be upgraded. If you take old ones with you, it might fail to help when required. Apart from this, you should also check the weather on the days you plan to go out. However, you should know the weather predictions might not be accurate all the time. The VHF radio on your yacht will have a weather station.
One of the primary aspects of controlling your crew and your boat during stormy weather is to be prepared. It means having the boat rigged. This makes sure you access everything within a short time. At times, you might catch the storm from miles away, and at other times, it might be on top of you in just a few seconds.
Sailing in Bad Weather
If you and your crew are ready to deal with the storm, you need to do as follows.
· Reef the sails – less likely to happen on a Corfu catamaran charter than in the Cyclades, but you still need to know how to do it, wherever you are.
· Pump the bilges dry. Remember, you might repeat the steps many times during the storm, based on the severity.
· Close all ports, hatches, and windows on the yacht. It will protect the cabin from rain, as well as high seas.
· Secure the loose gear. All things on the yacht need to have their own place. Keep your emergency gear close at hand.
· If you can, try altering your course to sheltered water. However, in case a harbor is difficult, it will be more so under stormy weather.
Taking Control of the Yacht
Most of the time, heavy air is accompanied by high water. So, be ready to deal with waves that approach your yacht at alarming heights. Take on the sea waves at a 45-degree angle. This ensures that they have the least possible impact. It also reduces the chances of you and your crew being seasick.
In case conditions become rough and the wind is too powerful, take down the sails and secure them. However, this step is only for dire weather and you shouldn’t do this unless you have to.
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